Sepsis due to kidney injury caused by a toothpick: a case report and literature review

Qi Qi,Guoxian Kou,Lingxin Chen

doi:10.1186/s12879-022-07058-2

Abstract

BackgroundToothpicks are common foreign bodies which may injure surrounding organs leading to a series of atypical symptoms. We present a rare clinical case that septicemia caused by a toothpick penetrated into the right kidney.Case presentationWe describe a 51-year-old patient who presented with right-sided backache and hematuresis for 2 days. Blood culture persistently grew Streptococcus gordonii. Ultrasound of the patient’s urinary tract revealed a strong striated echo in the middle of the right kidney. Complete abdominal computed tomography revealed a duodenal foreign body penetrating into the right kidney. The toothpick was removed under endoscopy and hemostasis was given. Antibiotic treatment was upgraded. The patient was recovered and discharged from his stay on the fifteenth day.ConclusionsEarly identification of the etiology of sepsis can effectively alleviate patient’s distress and reduce hospital stay. Clinicians should identify the source of sepsis through a medical history and examination.

Highlights

Toothpicks are common foreign bodies which may injure surrounding organs leading to a series of atypical symptoms
Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed peripheral exudation around the kidneys and the right ureter, which was obvious on the right side
Some foreign bodies, especially sharp ones, such as toothpicks and fish bones, can lead to gastrointestinal perforation, which in turn can lead to peritonitis, liver abscess, appendicitis, and sepsis, amongst other conditions [4, 5]

Summary

Introduction

Toothpicks are common foreign bodies which may injure surrounding organs leading to a series of atypical symptoms. Background Toothpicks are a common foreign body in the digestive tract. Its clinical manifestations vary from no clinical symptoms (spontaneous discharge of the foreign body in the digestive tract) to abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, dysphagia, fever, sepsis, and even death [1, 2]. Gastrointestinal foreign bodies may cause rare renal injury, with atypical manifestations of hematuria and backache.

Results

Conclusion